News about Skybus

2007 is proving to be a busy year for new, low cost airlines around the world. In the United States, two of the most recent low cost carriers to enter the air travel arena have had much different routes to starting up.

Skybus launched itself as a low cost contender by advertising $10 airfares that would be available on all of its flights. Seats at that price are of course limited, but it is an airfare special that is not set to expire anytime soon.

Virgin America has had a different experience. It has had to fight past objections by several airlines regarding ownership, and a few years later, has been able to secure FAA approval.

A new discount airline gets off the ground tomorrow, with flights between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Columbus, Ohio.

Skybus Airlines hopes travelers are willing to fly to secondary airports and then drive 30 minutes or more to reach destinations such as Boston.

The company plans to fly to 25 cities from its Columbus hub, using a model aimed at competing with Southwest and other no-frills airlines. Every Skybus flight will offer at least ten tickets for $10 each.

Rookie low-fare carrier Skybus Airlines earned final certification from the Federal Aviation Administration Thursday, clearing the way for its scheduled May 22 launch.

“FAA certification is the final hurdle,” said Ken Gile, the president and chief operating officer of Skybus. “We are ready to take our place in the US airline community.”

The carrier’s first scheduled flight is a 9:36 am departure May 22 from its hub in Port Columbus, OH to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA.

The carrier will start by offering nonstop service from CMH to the Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and Seattle/Vancouver areas, and to Ft. Lauderdale, Richmond, Kansas City and Greensboro/Winston-Salem with $10 tickets available on every flight.